Bad weather shouldn't discourage you from using your photography skills. Rain and wind can add a delightful dimension to any picture. Here are some tips for keeping your gear safe in unmerciful conditions.

Steps

Method1

Cold

1

Keep batteries in a warm pocket or glove when not in use. When the temperature drops, so does the lifespan of your batteries. It is essential that you keep your batteries warm, and only insert them into your camera when needed.

2

Carry spare batteries. For when your current batteries die.

3

Switch off energy consuming autofocus if not required.

4

Inexplicable weather conditions may call for battery independent, manual cameras as the best choice.

5

Wrap your camera in a plastic bag when not in use. One problem with cold weather is excessive moisture in the air. This is exacerbated when moving from cold conditions directly to warm conditions e.g. from the cold outside to a warm room. Resulting condensation will fog your lens and can damage your camera. By Placing your camera in a plastic bag before entering a warm room, you ensure that moisture condenses on the bag rather than on your camera.

6

If you do not have a plastic bag, let Your camera warm up slowly. Leave it in an unheated room to warm up, or alternatively, use a hair dryer on a medium setting.

7

For those who use film cameras, advance and rewind the film slowly. In cold conditions, advancing and rewinding film may build sufficient levels of static electricity to create a spark within your camera, leaving 'lightning strikes' across your film.

Method2

Rain

1

Wrap your camera in a plastic bag or invest in a rain sleeve. Protecting your photo gear from rain is an issue.

Simply wrapping your camera in a plastic bag or even a common shower cap will enable you to view the displays through the plastic and operate the usual buttons while offering basic protection.

Uncover just the front of the lens when the time comes to take the picture. Alternatively, invest in a rain sleeve for a more tailored fit.

2

Place packets of rice or silica gel sachets in your photo equipment cases. The rice or silica gel will absorb moisture from the air.

3

Use an umbrella to shield your equipment from rain. Do not use coloured umbrellas as this may affect the colour of your pictures.

4

Wipe down equipment with a towel after use. A towel is invaluable for drying up after a rain shower.

Method3

Wind

1

Be aware of sandy beaches in windy weather. If sand finds its way into your camera, it could be devastating.

2

Use a UV filter or a lens hood to protect your lens from sand or loose debris.

3

Use an umbrella to act as a windshield.

4

If you use a tripod, weigh it down with something heavy to prevent it from toppling or vibrating, such as a rucksack. Using a net filled with loose stones will work too.

5

Alternatively, drill a spike into the ground and hold the tripod down using a rope. This will depend on the type of ground.